Director of Development

Primary Description of Work:

The Director of Development (MG) is responsible for developing and enhancing relationships with major gift prospects and donors, discovering their philanthropic passions, and aligning them with the funding priorities of UNCSA (University of North Carolina School of the Arts). The Director of Development (MG) will cultivate, solicit, secure, document, and steward major gifts (currently $25,000+) for UNCSA. This includes developing and executing annual and multi-year strategies and plans to engage, cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic relationships that support university priorities. The Director of Development (MG) works closely and collaboratively with other Advancement and Foundation team members and University partners to understand and promote University initiatives and priorities and serves as primary advancement liaison for multiple schools / areas of the campus. In close partnership with the Prospect Development team, the Director of Alumni Engagement, and the Vice Chancellor and Associate Vice Chancellor for Advancement, the Director of Development (MG) develops strategies and plans for cultivating assigned regional geographic markets, travelling regularly to assigned regions and coordinating opportunities with partners in Advancement and across campus. The Director of Development (MG) is responsible for achieving fundraising and activity goals set annually in collaboration with Advancement leadership.

Work Schedule and hours: Standard work schedule is 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday. Evenings, weekends, and travel in and outside of the state are an expected part of this role.

Description of Responsibilities and Duties:

Fundraising:

• Contribute in a meaningful and substantial way to the team's success in fundraising overall, specifically through major gift work.
• Manage a portfolio of 60-75 major gift prospects and donors; cultivate relationships with existing and new prospects.
• Engage campus partners and advancement / foundation colleagues to plan and implement excellent donor strategies at all points throughout the donor continuum.
• Document work accurately, consistently, and in a timely manner, following policies, processes, and best practices.
• Through regular professional development, stay current with industry best practices and incorporate them into daily work.
• Achieve annual goals for fundraising, visits, proposals, and qualifications.

Liaison role:

• Develop positive, productive working relationships with assigned deans/academic partners.
• Maintain thorough and up-to-date knowledge about assigned areas and communicate high priority strategic opportunities to Advancement team members.
• Create prospect/donor engagement and cultivation opportunities and develop new leads in these areas.
• In close partnership with Advancement leadership, support the development of key philanthropic priorities that align with and support UNCSA's strategic plan.

Regional market development:

• In partnership with Prospect Development, Director of Alumni Engagement, and Advancement leadership, develop strategies for increasing connections within assigned geographic territories.
• Travel regularly to assigned regions, connecting with alumni and friends, and cultivating opportunities for supporting UNCSA through private philanthropy.
• Engage campus partners in travel opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Five+ years demonstrated success in a paid fundraising position managing a portfolio and working directly with donors.
• Experience working in a university advancement setting.
• Background in the arts is not required but is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and solicit relationships leading to major gifts.
• Experience managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
• Track record of requesting and securing visits and following up with consistency and efficiency at a fast pace.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to distill complex ideas into easily understandable concepts and communicate those ideas effectively.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Ability to work effectively and strategically with minimal supervision and skillfully lead/manage complex priorities and projects to ensure successful outcomes.
• Excellent organizational skills and practices.

Recruitment Range: $65,000-$75,000

Special Instructions to Applicants: This is an Exempt Professional Staff position. PLEASE NOTE: A criminal background check will be conducted on candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment. Resumes WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered. Failure to complete the application process as required by state regulations WILL result in your application being rejected for the vacancy and you will not be considered for the position. Other materials may be requested at a later time. Applications will be treated confidentially until the final stages of the search process. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants are welcome to apply without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, National Guard, or veteran status.

EEO Contact Information: Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: suttonar@uncsa.edu

To apply, visit: https://employment.uncsa.edu/postings/10296